Citing data from ICE’s enforcement and removal operations dashboard, Harian Metro reported that the Malaysians, among 1.44 million people served with deportation orders, are currently in ICE’s non-detention docket.

They were served with deportation orders after Donald Trump was installed as US president for a second term.

According to ICE, foreigners served with the orders can still seek asylum in the US as refugees or under the UN’s Convention against Torture.

However, Washington encourages home countries to accept the return of their citizens.

“A lack of cooperation from foreign governments delays and, in most cases, obstructs the deportation process,” said ICE.

It also urged foreign governments to confirm the citizenship of these nationals and to issue travel documents for them promptly. Failure to comply could lead to the nation being classified as “uncooperative” or “at risk of being incompliant”.

Currently, 15 nations have been listed as uncooperative including China, India and Pakistan, while 11 others such as Vietnam and Iraq are deemed at risk of being incompliant.

Republicans had said that large-scale deportations from the US were necessary, claiming that millions of immigrants entered the country illegally during Joe Biden’s presidency.

In a brief statement, a Wisma Putra spokesman said the ministry was aware of reports on the deportation but that its embassy in Washington had not received any formal notification from US authorities.

They also said there was no official request for consular assistance from Malaysians served with the deportation orders.

“The embassy and our consulates in the US remain in close contact with the relevant authorities and continue to engage with the Malaysian community to ensure their well-being and compliance with immigration regulations.”